May Industry News

Fairline Boats has appointed Alistair Schofield as chief executive officer. The marine-industry veteran has worked extensively in business development and technical operations. “We are delighted to bring a CEO of Alistair’s caliber to the business and are confident that with his exceptional experience he will take Fairline through its next stage of development,” said Nick Sanders, chairman of Fairline. The British boatbuilder also named Kevin Gaskell, formerly of Porsche UK, as a non-executive director.

MarineMax has added the Benetti Yachts and Azimut Grande brands to its product line in the Northeast, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The Clearwater, Florida-based dealer will offer the Benetti Delfino 93, Benetti Tradition 105, Benetti Classic 121, and Azimut Grande products, including the 100, 103SL, 105, 116, and 120SL. “This new agreement opens a natural growth path,” said William McGill, president and CEO of MarineMax. “We are looking forward to taking care of the needs of these customers as their boating desires grow.”

Garmin has agreed to purchase Interphase Technologies, a creator of phased-array scanning sonar technology. Kansas-based Garmin said the acquisition will expand its product lines. “By adding Interphase’s talents and technologies to the Garmin family,” said Cliff Pemble, president and COO of Garmin, “we believe we can leverage our areas of expertise into products that can greatly enhance a boater’s experience on the water.” Interphase, maker of the Escort forward-looking sonar shown, will continue to operate from its Soquel, California, headquarters.

Top Boat Names Unveiled

A seemingly permanent member of the Top 10 list every year, Seas the Day was the most popular boat name in 2011, according to BoatUS. Though loaded with other perennial favorites, the list included three newcomers: Nauti Buoy, Serenity Now, and Blew By You. Did your boat’s moniker make the list? Here’s the final ranking: 1. Seas the Day, 2. Nauti Buoy, 3. Aquaholic, 4. Dream Weaver, 5. Pegasus, 6. Serenity Now, 7. Second Wind, 8. Liquid Asset, 9. Miss Behavin’, 10. Blew By You.